Chinese-Americans oppose US visa ban for Chinese students

A group of influential Chinese-Americans, the Committee of 100, has criticized a proposed bill that would ban Chinese nationals from obtaining various types of student visas to the United States. Gary Locke, the group's chairman and former ambassador to China, stated that this move is not only exclusionary but could harm the nation's leadership in science and technology. Locke emphasized that the US thrives when it welcomes talent from around the world. The legislation, put forward by Republican Riley Moore from West Virginia, aims to restrict all types of student visas for Chinese nationals. This includes visas for vocational training and exchange programs. The Committee of 100 believes such a broad ban could increase xenophobia and racial profiling against all students of Chinese heritage, including those who are American citizens. Locke pointed out that labeling all Chinese students as security threats is false and could foster discrimination. He noted the contributions of Chinese and Chinese-American students to America's progress in various fields. He warned that this rhetoric could undermine their ability to learn and collaborate in a supportive environment. In recent years, the number of Chinese students in the US has declined. For the first time in 15 years, India has become the top source of international students in the country. Chinese students numbered over 277,000 during the 2023-24 academic year, but rising geopolitical tensions have impacted their situation. Supporters of the bill, including Moore, argue that it is necessary to prevent espionage and protect intellectual property. However, a survey conducted by the Committee of 100 revealed that many Chinese-Americans feel the current political climate has led to increased discrimination and that the government is not doing enough to combat it.